‘you’ll be glad you chose Summit’,
and to achieve that, every Summit team member aims to provide a real estate service that is second to none. We value relationships. We have maintained a close connection with our community since our first day of operation. Summit has grown with the region through numerous events, sports, cultural and other community-based initiatives, including 5 years as principal sponsor of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. While we source an ever-increasing percentage of inquiries from our high-profile, web-based marketing, the vast majority of business is still completed face-to-face with our clients and salespeople.
Summit maintains a simple strategy; we provide our salespeople with the best resources, marketing, training, technology, and management support to achieve the best result possible for every client. Built on a solid foundation of many years of ethical trading, Summit is a member of the NZ Realtors Network - the most successful group of Real Estate companies in New Zealand. Summit has unique advantages; salespeople enjoy the benefits of working in a progressive multi-office environment, no franchise fees sent out of town, and the region’s largest real estate agency.
1992
Established Office at
526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke
2001
Opened Commercial Office
Nelson
2002
Opened Motueka
102 High Street
2006
New Stoke Office opens
506 Main Road Stoke
2009
Opened Summit House Nelson
60 Rutherford Street
2010
Opened Picton Office
56 High Street
2013
New Richmond Office opens
203 Queen Street
2019
New Blenheim Office opens
30 Alfred Street
COMING SOON
New Property Management Richmond Office
201 Queen Street
Summit understand what makes the Top of the South Island unique, from the majestic bays of the Sounds, the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman, to the vibrant communities of our provincial towns.
Our real difference is our culture and people. Summit’s success is the results of the many outstanding people who have joined us. We have the largest team of qualified, experienced real estate specialists, and we’re well equipped to deal with all facets of real estate. Our commitment to providing unparalleled service and working as a team makes Summit the region’s most preferred real estate agency by far.
It’s the support from our local community that we gratefully acknowledge when looking at Summit’s achievements to date and our current position as market leaders. We show our gratitude in very real ways, giving back to our local community.
Thank you to everyone throughout the Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough communities, where our people work. We are very grateful for the tremendous support we receive and are proud to be the region’s most preferred real estate agency.
We are blessed to live in such an outstanding part of the world, with numerous diverse beaches to walk on, parks, gardens, and three stunning National Parks: Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi, all within a short drive away.
Without wanting to sound like something from the interview section of the movie Miss Congeniality, we sincerely hope that 2026 brings peace to Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine and other areas of conflict including Bondi Beach in Australia recently.
All our Summit Offices Close 2pm 23rd December 2025, and Open 8.30am 6th January 2026.
The latest REINZ figures for November 2025 show a mixed but steady picture across the Top of the South, with price growth continuing in Nelson and Marlborough, while Tasman recorded a year-on-year softening.
Median Prices Across the RegionWhile price growth remains strong in Nelson and Marlborough, the Tasman market reflects a more cautious buyer response, likely influenced by broader market conditions and increased choice.
Buyer Activity & Market BehaviourFirst home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most active groups across the region in November. Investor enquiry remained lower, reflecting continued caution around yields and lending conditions.
Vendors were largely realistic with their pricing expectations, which has helped maintain solid engagement for well-presented homes. Open home attendance was strongest for new listings, with good momentum often carrying through into the second and third weeks of a campaign when the property met buyer expectations.
Auctions & Sales ConditionsAuctions are becoming a more commonly used sales method across the region. However, results under the hammer have been mixed, highlighting the importance of accurate pricing, presentation, and buyer competition.
Overall market sentiment continues to be influenced by:
Surplus stock levelsOngoing job security concernsAn increase in properties being withdrawn from the marketBroader buyer choice and reduced urgencySales volumes were down 10.9% compared to October, reinforcing the measured pace of the market.
Looking Ahead to SummerDespite the current lack of urgency, there is cautious optimism among local salespeople. The summer months are expected to bring an uplift in activity, particularly as overseas visitors return following the Christmas period — a trend that traditionally supports buyer confidence in the Top of the South.
“First home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most active buyer groups across the region… broader choice in available properties continues to contribute to a lack of urgency.”
– Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive
For sellers, realistic pricing and strong presentation remain key to generating competition. For buyers, the current market offers choice and time — but well-positioned properties continue to attract strong interest.
If you’re considering a move or would like a tailored view of how these figures apply to your property, the Summit team is here to help with local insight and honest advice.
Talk to a Local Summit Sales & Marketing Consultant
Article excerpt from the Nelson Mail. Nina Hindmarsh • Reporter. Image supplied by Christel Yardley • Waikato Times
Recent Tenancy Tribunal decisions in Tākaka and Motueka have highlighted a major issue for landlords: a mismatch between insurance meth contamination standards and tenancy law.
At present, most insurers still require remediation if meth residue exceeds 1.5 micrograms per 100cm², a standard introduced in 2017. However, the Tenancy Tribunal, Kāinga Ora and the Real Estate Authority apply a much higher threshold of 15 micrograms, based on scientific advice from Sir Peter Gluckman.
This gap has real financial consequences. In two Tasman cases, landlords were required by insurers to clean properties and pay $2,500 excesses, but the Tribunal ruled tenants were not liable, as the properties were not legally considered contaminated under tenancy law.
In one Motueka case managed by Summit Property Management, initial testing suggested elevated levels, but room-by-room testing showed no area exceeded the legal 15mcg limit. Despite this, the landlord was still unable to recover the insurance excess.
The result? Confusion, unnecessary remediation, and landlords left out of pocket.
General manager Stewart Henry said the split standards were creating confusion.
“Owners look at that and think, ‘it’s contamination’, because that’s what the insurance company and tester are telling them,” he said.
Henry said low-level residue could often be dealt with using simple cleaning.
“But some owners are obviously thinking, well, it’s a contamination because it’s above the 1.5 [micrograms] which is what the meth tester and the insurance company are telling us.”
He said the uncertainty had made property management “a landmine”.
“Once the new rules come in, it’ll mean far fewer unnecessary claims and far less confusion.
What’s changing
The Government has confirmed new regulations coming in 2026, which will:
Formally adopt the 15mcg threshold into law Classify homes above 30mcg as uninhabitable Reduce unnecessary testing, claims, and costly clean-ups Bring clarity and consistency for landlords, tenants, insurers and property managersUntil then, landlords are navigating a tricky landscape where insurance requirements and legal obligations don’t always align.
Our adviceLow-level meth residue can often be addressed through targeted cleaning, not full remediation. Professional property management is critical to:
Interpret test results correctly Liaise with insurers and testing companies Protect landlord interests while ensuring tenant safetyAt Summit Property Management, we stay across regulatory changes so our landlords don’t have to—and we’ll be ready well before the new rules take effect.
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Opened at 526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke in 1992
Our first issue of the Summit Weekly published in September 2004, this has become an integral part of establishing Summit as the region's most preferred real estate agency.
Across the Top of the South and every corner of our region, our salespeople are renowned for providing exceptional service because our clients deserve nothing less.
Managing thousands of rental properties throughout the top of the South, the region's trusted name in property management saves you time and money, so you can make the most of yours.
With a team of over 100 strong in 6 locations throughout the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough a friendly Summit branch is likely not too far from where you are.